Two Decades

This week, I celebrated my 20th birthday.  I cannot believe that I am now two decades old.  No longer a teenager.  But like every birthday, I bring out the kid in me and get so excited about my special day.  My whole family does it, including my 70 year old grandfather who makes it known that his birthday is around the corner every month!  Sadly, I didn't get to spend my birthday the way I wanted to, but I knew that I had friends and family that would have been there to celebrate it with me. 

This year my birthday was on a Monday.  Unfortunately, that is the time that I have my all day school session from 9-8.  It made me so mad because I celebrate my birthday just like every child.  But to make up for it, my family and I went to Georgia to shop and spend time together.  That was a lot of fun.  Bought some new Croc shoes and games, and then my family suprised me with a gift card to my favorite shop, Barnes and Noble.  And then I continued my celebration by feasting at the Outback with Steak, Lobster and rice.  And then later we nibbled on some appetizers from Chili's. 

Then Monday arrived, and I was real cranky because I had to spend it at school.  But you wanna know what got me through the day?  All of the great Facebook Birthday wishes that people posted.  Friends that I spend every day with, and people that I have barely spoken to alike.  It kept a smile on my face all day.  And I guess the shopping spree the day before helped me not notice that it was my birthday at all.  But I sure didn't like the quick Burger King meals that I had to eat in a hurry in between classes. 

But this birthday feels special in it's own way for some reason.  I guess because it is the start in a new decade of my life.  And maybe even a new era.  Parts of my life right now seems to agree with that, with all of the new and great changes going on.  But I think this birthday was also a moment to reflect on all the birthdays before and that many days I have spent on this earth.  I can remember birthdays long ago like when my parents bought me my first gameboy when I was 9, and the one where I spent the whole night with friends at the very place where I work now and the one just last year when I got my iPad. 

It also reminds me of all the things that have went on in the twenty years.  My earliest memory is when my sister was born and I went and held her and the evil nurse took her away from me 18 years ago.  I also remember my grandmothers taking me to McDonalds for ice cream later that day.  I can also remember when my youngest sister was born in 2001.  When the World Trade Centers were attacked later that year.  And then my graduation from High School and the start of my job less than two years ago.  So many memories, good and bad. 

This post probably would have been more memorable to me if it was actually posted on my birthday.  But I feel that even thought I am a little late, it still reflects my emotions of that day, and the days before it.  It's also nice to reflect on what has transpired during these years, the small pieces to the person I am today.  I'll never forget them.  So here is to my 20th birthday, and the many years to come!

-Tyler